Northwest Iowa — There are two blood drives coming up in northwest Iowa, and during the pandemic, it’s more important than ever for people who can — to donate blood.
That’s from Community Blood Bank Executive Director Ken VerSteeg. He tells us there’s good news and bad news about the blood drive this Wednesday at Central Lyon in Rock Rapids. He says the good news is they’re full. The bad news is no more appointments can be made.
(as said) “That blood drive [has] really had an amazing participation rate. In fact, we’re full right now. So individuals that have signed up for donating at that blood drive… we really appreciate all the support that we’ve had. People that are looking for an opportunity to donate… unfortunately at this time, we are full in Rock Rapids, but we do have several other opportunities coming up in the area for you to donate blood and one of those opportunities is coming up on Tuesday, February 2nd over at Sanford Sheldon. So if a person isn’t able to make that Rock Rapids blood drive event if they hadn’t already signed up we have opportunities over at Sanford Sheldon as well.”
VerSteeg reminds us that if you’re going to be going to Sioux Falls, you don’t have to wait for the bloodmobile, as they accept donations at both Sanford and Avera hospitals there too.
He tells us that the Sheldon blood drive was originally going to be at two locations, but they had to change it up a little due to the pandemic.
(as said) “We have to kind of avoid areas that may have a flare-up of COVID. And these things happen from time to time. And so in order for us to avoid some COVID areas, our previous plans fell through. So, unfortunately, we’re not able to go to the locations we had planned on. So we’re going to be doing a full-day event over at Sanford Sheldon to try to increase the blood supply here for Sheldon. We’re going to be there from 8:00 a.m. until 11 and then again from 12:30 to 3:30 taking blood donations. And this is similar to the hours that we had in November where people really came out and supported the community’s blood supply. So we’re looking forward to that event coming up this next week, Tuesday, February 2nd.”
VerSteeg says that at this time, due to COVID, they are still accepting donations by appointment only. He says you can call 877-877-3070 for an appointment or to ask questions or you can go to cbblifeblood.org for more information. That’s also a great place to find out about the guidelines, what you should do before giving blood, and the kinds of things you need to have with you when you donate.
VerSteeg tells us if the drive on February 2nd doesn’t work for you either, there will also be a Heroes Behind The Badges Blood Drive in Sheldon — a partnership with KIWA — on Monday, February 22nd.
